UK: Who is responsible for drawing up the plans of an extension and submitting it to the local planning board?

Question

Is it a building surveyor, a building consultant or an architect? We have a Grade II listed cottage and we want to extend at the rear and slightly at the side. There is already an extension at the rear on ground level and we want to build above that and to the side. Although we live in a conservation area, we feel we have a good chance of getting plans approved, however we're a little bit unsure who you're supposed to approach to draw up the plans. Can anyone help with some advice?

Answer 1

Architect to draw the plans but your responsibility to submit them to your local planning authority

Answer 2

An Architect.

Thats what their job is.

Answer 3

A local architect is the best bet plus if they are a good and experienced company they will advise you as you go along. They usually have valuable contacts within the planning department.

Answer 4

Commission an architect and they will then tackle all the regulations.  As long as you keep within the perimeters of the listed status you can make improvemnet in keeping with the buliding, but pay someone to find it out for you...

Your local authority should have a list of architects that they recommend

Answer 5

good luck with getting planning permission on a grade II listed property cos ur gonna need it. conservation area or not u will have a fight on ur hands. my moms old place was grade II listed and lived in conservation area its a nightmare tryin to deal with the local planning board.

Answer 6

The architect.  They have the degrees needed, know the codes, and everything else.  The surveyor and building consultant do not.  This is what my brother does for a living.

Answer 7

You are responsible for any planning application, since it is you making the application ! However, you appoint someone to act on your behalf, hoping that their expertise will smooth the process. This is not necessarily the case - many so-called professionals can may just as much a mess of things as any of us can and do ! Remember - YOU are responsible - so you need to keep on top of all aspects of the business. My next-door neighbour has suffered a delay in his construction plans due to his architect failing to make allowance for the Party Wall Act and serve appropriate notices in good time.

In your case, not only will you have to deal with the local Planning Authority, but with a Listed Grade II building in a conservation area, I'm sure English Heritage will have considerable views on any building work, from design to materials and work methods, so it is absolutely imperative to locate a competent architect with experience in this type of work.

Answer 8

Architect - we have just been through this.

The architect will draw up and submit your plans to the County Council planning department and Building regulations (separately and separate bills).

Answer 9

if its listed,,,you may not be able to do it

Answer 10

architect for the plans and get them to submit them aswell, i think you will struggle with planning though if its listed and in a conservation area, i suggest you try and make friends with the local planning officer!